Tuesday 24 April 2012

More Local Quality Birding: Is spring around the corner (finally)?

Managed to get a bit of local birding in today and it appeared as though there was a few new migrants in. 

Morning dog walk around the village resulted in the first Sand Martin (flying north), Common Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail of the year on the dog walk patch. Had the most amazing Barn Owl encounter, where one flew right up to me (within 6ft), then circled me before moving off.

Afterwards we took a trip down to Bubwith Bridge where a very smart (year tick) Common Sandpiper was walking along the debris in the river. There was also 56 Tufted Duck and a dozen or so Shelduck. Several more Sand Martin were noted passing through heading north.

Common Sandpiper Record Shot (Phone-scoped)

Common Sandpiper Record Shot (Phone-scoped)

The dogs enjoying their birding trip!

Spent most of the day in a meeting over Beverley way which was fairly dull, however a very smart Wheatear on the site was nice.

Heading back through the valley this afternoon/evening a few more decent birds were picked up including 8 Whimbrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebes, a pair of Egyptain Geese, Corn Bunting and a sprinkling of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap however the highlight was a second drake Garganey in consecutive days. This bird showed a lot better than yesterdays (and I had my better Blackberry with me) so I got the following couple of photos:

Drake Garganey (Phone-scoped)

Drake Garganey (Phone-scoped)

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